Monday, March 26, 2012

Mr. Sandman

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. Owing to that, Huxley is constantly attempting to do whatever it is that we're doing. This is often cute. Sometimes, though, it makes for extra work for myself and Hubs, like when we're working in the garden, digging things. Huxley has been going behind us, digging those things back up. Until now.

A few weeks ago, at the home of a close friend, Huxley discovered the remnants of a former sandbox. The structure itself had been removed, but the sand and some scoops remained. He went crazy for it, digging like a madman. Hubs took note, came home, and began building the tiniest English man a sandbox of his own the very next day.

To say he loves it is an understatement. Clamors for it would be closer to the truth. Pretty much five or so minutes after waking up each morning, he asks "Outside?" followed by "Bing ging?," which, for reasons unbeknown, is the word he's taken to calling the sand box. It's the best. thing. ever. for us, too, as it keeps him occupied and content while we toil the soil. 

Our garden is fenced, and having the sandbox in the garden allows us to safely keep an eye on him. The roof keeps the sandbox dry and shades his sensitive skin so that he doesn't burn, great news given his pasty Scottish lineage. Hubs also built it so that Huxley wouldn't quickly outgrow it, incorporating plenty of details to keep his imagination occupied as he ages.

Hubs surrounded the sand box with a stone moat (with a barrier of landscape cloth underneath), which has multiple functions. It's entertaining, aids in water drainage, and helps control the overflow of sand. Rocks buried in with the sand keep things interesting while the larger stepping stones in the moat provide a sturdy walkway when he wants it (we used both pavers and a granite slab we had on hand).

The boxes and shelves help in a variety of ways. They strengthen the structure, provide imaginative spaces, and leave plenty of room for storing his various scoops, spoons, and toys. The curved lines and hole cutouts add whimsy. Hubs added bamboo kitchen utensils, scoops, buckets, a kid's shovel, and some recycled plastic toys to the box (including this dump truck, a gift from friends).

The quote that tops the sand box is a line from a folk song, famously covered by Billy Bragg. It refers to the Diggers, a group of 17th century British agrarian dissenters. They believed land should be available to all, and grew crops on unused land. You can read more about them here.

If you have the space, I highly recommend putting a sand box in your garden. You can make it as palatial or as humble as you'd like. If you choose to build one, let your imagination run wild. Hubs refers to his design esthetic as "Dr. Suess-esque." No matter how you build it, this much is true: hours of good times for wee ones and their parents alike will be had! 

To see many, many, many more photos (we couldn't stop!!!) of the sand box, go here.



26 comments:

Jenny Bartoy said...

I love it, Ashley! It is just awesome. What a fantastic spot for Huxley! I wish we had space for a sandbox in our little yard. Fortunately , our local playground has a huge one, complete with tons and tons of neighborhood toys and dump trucks. Not quite the same as having your own though. I am sure Huxley will enjoy it for years and years to come!

jen said...

that is great! i'd play in it and i'm MUCH older than Huxley. he's gotten so big, too!

Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen) said...

You are brilliant to include the rocky moat. I bet it also helps lessen sand tracked into the house.

joy said...

This is the best sandbox I've ever seen! What a fun place to build, play and imagine! Thanks for sharing the details, your pictures are great.

Cary said...

Do you think "bing ging" is "digging"? I want to dig!!!!

Kristin Marsh Shepard said...

What an awesome sandbox (and husband, for that matter)!

Yasmin said...

Oh, I just love that!

naturally crafted mama said...

now that is the cream of the crop of sandboxes! big pat on the back to your husband for rocking out such an awesome sandbox! my husband is getting ready to build one for our boys- i'll have to show him this :) ps- i know all too well about the "helping" hands in the garden- we do garden boxes and i had to chicken wire over all of the planted seeds to keep those hands out once the seeds were in!

Becki said...

This sandbox is awesome! I love the covering and the interesting design! Great idea!

Erin said...

Fantastic! I love the idea of having the sandbox right in the garden.

Lavigne Photography said...

wow beautiful diggs!

PQ said...

we were JUST talking about the pros and cons of a sandbox for our little guy. this creation is just fantastic!!! thanks for the nudge in the right direction.

ashley english said...

Cary-Indeed! I think that might be exactly what his warbled word means!!!

alison said...

What a great spot for your little guy! A garden can be such fun with littles, and it seems little boys just dive right in as if they've done it before! We do have a sandbox in the yard, and we also made this outdoor kitchen.
http://www.comidayolas.com/2011/11/outdoor-kitchen.html When our son turned about 2, he was wanting to mimic everything we were creating in the kitchen...it's still a favorite spot a year later!

Erin D said...

Yes, I for sure thought 'bing ging' = digging. That is the awesomest sand box EVER.

Anonymous said...

Love the sandbox but I think the stones have a bit too much ouch factor if he falls on them.
My kids loved their sandbox too.

Dixie said...

He'll spend hours out there. What a great job by your husband! Sand, shovels, trucks and dinosaurs....the universal language of little boys.

makingofahome said...

That looks like quite the amazing spot! I think I may have to have my husband take a quick peek at your blog today and put him to work :)

ashley english said...

The stones used in the moat have smooth edges. He's fallen on them repeatedly and I've yet to hear one "ouch" or cry come out of them. In fact, he often sits directly on them, shoveling or scooping sand out of the sandbox and into a bucket he's placed on the rocks.

Molly said...

Awesome sandbox!!! Definitely the best I've ever seen!

alexa said...

What a fantastic idea! I especially love all the little modifications you and your husband added. In particular that roof. (My kids are pretty white too...)

El Gaucho said...

That has to be one of the coolest sandboxes I've ever seen. Very well constructed and it really looks nice in the garden. Well done, my compliments to the builder.

greyson said...

FANTASTIC!! We have a digger too. She's old enough to be helpful now! I like the cafe table and chairs for the after garden party while lil man will still be digging!! Have fun!

Deb said...

I think "bing ging" is probably his attempt at "digging" (speech therapist in my past life). beautiful sandbox!

Taryn Kae Wilson said...

What a good idea!!

Anonymous said...

Huxley heaven!!! He is growing so fast. An adorable little blonde-headed busy bee. And lucky to have such a talented and creative papa.